He sings his dead brother's favourite Westlife hit on stage
Hi Bryan Here,
LAST weekend we experienced the biggest thrill of our lives when we finally
launched the very first Westlife world tour.
It was such a buzz to have our own massive concert after all the work we've
put in over the three years it took us to get to this stage.
But in the middle of our excitement, we were brought down to earth with a
bang when we heard the tragic story of young Westlife fan David Hope from
Newcastle.
David loved Westlife and one of his Christmas presents was a copy of our
latest albmn, Coast To Coast.
But on January 4 tragedy struck when David was knocked down outside his
home. He was rushed to hospital but nothing could be done to save him.
When David's devastated parents returned to the family home they heard music
coming from his bedroom.
My Love, David's favourite Westlife song, was playing on repeat on the
stereo in his bedroom.
Having to cope with something like that doesn't bear thinking about and all
the lads here in Westlife were gutted when we heard the story.
David's parents and little brother Peter came to our show last Saturday
night in Newcastle and we met them backstage before the performance.
We invited his little brother Peter to join us on stage during the show and,
naturally, the song he came up for was My Love, David favourite.
As I knelt down beside Peter to sing with him, I could see that he was a
little nervous. It was hardly surprising as it takes a lot of courage to
stand up in front of 10,000 people. But, fair play to him, Peter really got
in to it and sang his heart out.
We made a video of his performance with us, so that it's something which
will always remind him of the night he did his own tribute to his brother
David.
Spare a thought for Peter and his parents today - they are such a lovely
family. David's death is such a terrible tragedy to have to cope with.
------------------------
THE tour is going really well. Obviously we were a bit nervous before going
on stage the first night. You never know what's going to go wrong. But we
rallied round each other and said, 'C'mon, let's do it. Let's go out there
and have the time of our lives.
And that's exactly what we did. Judging by the wild reaction of the crowd
they love it as well.
It really is amazing for us to go Out there with a massive show, which has a
live band and five amazing dancers. There's so much happening all the time,
we hardly, slow down the action.
There are a few costume changes, but we're back on stage before you blink.
In fact, the change around is so fast that there were times I didn't get to
zip up and button my pants before the song started. When the fans saw me
doing it on stage they went a bit crazy. It obviously looked like I was
going to drop my pants!
It's been the best feeling in the world going out on stage every night - but
we know the biggest buzz of all will be taking it home to Dublin. If you
haven't got tickets you can watch it live from Dublin on Sky One TV on March
31.
NICKY, I'm your biggest fan...you're sssooo fine! The new album is terrific.
My favourite song is You Make Me Feel 'cause you sing the start of it solo.
You'll have to sing solo more because your voice is fabulous.
Anne Matle Hamett, Limerick.
I LOVE Westlife, especially Kian and Shane. I have your album, Coast To
Coast, and my favourite song is I Lay My Love On You. I listen to it every
day and I watch your video. Your music is so cool. I'm keeping my fingers
crossed that you win the Brits award.
Geraldine Stones, Co Offaly.
WESTLIFE, I love, honour, adore, respect and look up to you all, You are my
role models and I love you all so much. I listen to your music all the time.
All I ever talk about is you guys, especially Bryan and Nicky. I hope to
meet you some day. Love.
Louise Maloney, Co Cork.
WESTLIFE, you are the best band in the whole world. I got your album, Coast
To Coast, for Christmas. It's the best ever. I can't wait to get your new
single, Uptown Girl. It's cool.
Lots of love.
Natasha Fitzgerald. Co Kerry.
